40Once more, feel free to skip my meaningless ramblings and go straight to the story.
Making Yuudai blind was a last minute thing I decided to add and sometimes I forgot that he was blind, so if you happen to spot a phrase or word that implies that he can see, don't hesitate to let me know because I actually will go back and fix that lol.
Pretty much the same goes for this part too like part 1 one did: lotta errors, spelling, grammatical and otherwise, possible loop holes, loose ends, plot holes. Y'know, stuff like that. Let me know if you can tell at which part I started to get super lazy and started rushing through things just to get to the end lmao the end that i rewrote like three times because i didn't like any version of it ;adjfliahefiao;hf
Fun fact: Bats are, in fact, not blind.
Another fun fact (and a bit of a spoiler): Originally I was going to kill off Yuudai because y'know he was the big bad villain, kidnapping their friends and whatnot, but then for some reason how I was writing him started to change and suddenly it felt too cruel to kill him off hahahah so I carried out Kagome's creative threat instead ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
If you have any questions about anything or need me to expound on something more thoroughly, feel free to shoot me a message! I'll be happy to explain.
Why didn't Shippou warn Kagome of their enemy's approach? Because reasons that's why. (idk maybe he got knocked out again or something)
Note: If Sango's reaction seems muted or if you think she didn't talk much, it's because I didn't really care enough to spend too much time depicting her emotions and thoughts. I just wanted it done. Sorry Sango enthusiasts.
Another note: There is a very tiny bit of smut at the end and it's dedicated to my love Ryupioupiou because she drives me crazy with her sinful headcanons and special shoutout to Lacyjaybird because your tags on tumblr made me feel like I actually didn't waste my time writing this. Love you girls! ::heart::
Okay sorry here you go.
-X-
"…Kagome…?"
The javelin dropped from her hands as tears sprung to her eyes and with a cry Kagome darted to the middle of the room where Shippou and Miroku lie, unmoving.
"Shippou!" Dropping to her knees Kagome scooped up her fox fix and cradled him in her arms, stroking his face and releasing a quiet sob. He was soaked in sweat, his face pale and his usually bright emerald eyes were bleary and dulled with pain. "Oh, baby," she whispered and smoothed back a damp lock of copper hair. "What happened? Are you okay? Is Miroku—" She flicked her panicked gaze to the man lying on his back and was relieved to see his chest slowly rising and falling.
"S-sutra…" Shippou rasped. "Back…"
Kagome's eyes widened and instantly she lifted him up against her shoulder to stare down at his back. Sure enough a rectangular piece of paper had been plastered to his back and a sound of fury echoed in her throat as she quickly ripped it off.
Immediately the kit's box went limp in relieve and she clutched him to her tightly, hugging him for all she was wroth as she rocked back and forth. How dare that creep do this to her little Shippou?! Ooh, when she got her hands on him, she was going to do much worse than what she did to the poor sod she'd left before the doors; she'd goddamn castrate the sadistic bastard!
She had to bite back another sob when she felt his tiny hands clutch her borrowed kosode. Cradling in her arms again, Kagome kissed his forehead and she was rewarded with a tired, wan smile. She tried to return it. "What happened, Shippou? And"—she did a quick scan of the room and frowned—"where's Sango?"
Shippou sighed and struggled to sit up. Kagome helped him so he was sitting upright in her lap. Turning his gaze to Miroku, his eyes welled up with tears and he gazed up at her mournfully, the regret in his eyes almost too much for her to bear. "I tried to stop him, Kagome," he sniffled and dashed a small hand over his eyes. "I—I d-did my best to protect them—"
"Shh, it's alright, baby," Kagome soothed him, stroking his face. "I know you were very brave and I'm sure you did everything in your power to protect them, and they know that, too." Shippou sniffled again and nodded. She kissed his forehead. "Tell me what happened, Shippou."
Sucking in a breath, Shippou relayed what happened, telling her how they'd all been knocked out on the way here and collectively woke up in this room. When they came to, a tall blue-haired youkai had been standing over them, though he described the color as a sort of bluish-silver. He'd called himself Yuudai, that he had a some centuries old vendetta against the great dog youkai general, Inuyasha's father, and he was going to make his half-breed son pay by taking everyone that is dear to him, torture them mercilessly, and then end their lives. Sango had been his first victim, claiming that he hadn't had a decent meal in weeks and the sweet cries of a woman's fear and pain never failed to excite him before dragging her kicking and screaming off into the connecting room. Miroku had tried to go after them but a vicious blow to the head knocked him unconscious once again and when Shippou had attempted to rescue her, one of the guards took a sutra from Miroku's robes and slapped it onto Shippou's back, immobilizing him.
Shippou had been forced to listen to Sango's screams and attempts to fight back until she'd stopping screaming altogether. That had been hours ago.
"He left a little while ago," Shippou concluded ten minutes later. "He didn't say why, but..." Emerald eyes blinked up at her and then widened in sudden fear. "Kagome, do you think he knows you're here? What about Inuyasha? Is he here, too?" The hope that Shippou had lost was slowly starting to set back in, brightening his eyes, bringing the life back to his youthful face. If Inuyasha was here, he could save them! Even if it was the new moon and he was human, Inuyasha was the strongest human he knew!
Kagome managed a small smile for him despite the anger rushing through her veins from his explanation. Sounded to her like this Yuudai youkai threw a temper tantrum and was taking it out on them. "Yes, he's here," she assured him and was glad to see her kit look like his old self again. "We decided to split up. We were almost found by the youkai's human army and Inuyasha had to distract them by throwing Tetsusaiga away from us so we could run. He's searching for it now."
Shippou blinked and pointed over to the wall. "Isn't that Tetsusaiga over there?"
Kagome stared at him then looked over to where he was pointing. Sure enough a very familiar black sheath was leaned up against the wall, the equally familiar hilt confirming that it was indeed the fang.
"Well, that's one less thing we have to worry about," Kagome surmised as she gently set Shippou aside and stood up to retrieve Inuyasha's sword. It felt like greeting an old friend when she picked it up and the weight was comfortable in her hands. She sighed, nodded, then adjusted the knot securing Inuyasha's kosode so she could slide the sword through it and then tightened it back up.
"You said he took Sango into the other room?" Kagome questioned the fox kit as ambled back over and knelt beside Miroku to assess the damage to his head. The blow was to his temple and aside form a small cut that had already clotted and a pale face, he looked no worse for wear and with Shippou's help she adjusted him into a more comfortable position.
"Yeah," he answered as he gently patted the monk's pale face, clearly worried. "I don't smell a lot of blood, but..." He bit her lip and looked imploringly up at her, his concern for the slayer evident and Kagome gathered him close to her for one last hug.
"I'm sure she's fine, Shippou," she assured and kissed his forehead. "She's a fighter, remember? There's no way she'd let some youkai scum take her away and then torture her without repercussions." Even as she said them Kagome hoped to God she was right and that she wouldn't walk in there and find something...well, she just hoped her best friend was okay.
"Stay here with Miroku and protect him, okay? I'm pretty sure Inuyasha will be here soon and it's almost dawn. Then we can all go home." Shippou nodded and puffed out his chest, taking his role seriously as protector of the unconscious monk and Kagome directed a wan smile at him before spinning around and dashing for the doors.
Taking a deep breath, Kagome slid open the doors just enough so she could slip inside and then quickly closed them again just in case there was something Shippou really ought not to see. And it was a good thing she did; kneeling in the middle of the room, nude from the waist up, gagged and bound at her hands and feet, Sango was covered in as many bruises as she and Inuyasha were, what looked like sloppy bite marks littering her breasts with dried blood smeared across her tanned skin and her ribs looked like they'd been kicked several times. But she was conscious, alive, and gazing at her with wide cinnamon eyes, surprise followed quickly by intense relief when she saw who'd entered.
Kagome bit her lip hard to stifle the sob that welled up and rushed over to her, dropping to her knees and throwing her arms around her dear friend, her sister. "Sango," she rasped, pulling back and carefully pulling down the cloth that had been wrapped tightly around her mouth. The second it was loose Sango took in greedy gulps of air. Kagome worked on trying to loosen the rope binding her hands behind her back, but it was too tight. Sango's wrists were raw and bleeding from the rough rope biting into her skin and another wave of anger rushed through her on her best friend's behalf.
"Kagome," Sango said roughly and lifted her head to look at her friend with a mixture of relief and terror. "Kagome, you have to leave. He'll be back soon, he knows you and Inuyasha are here." Her voice was urgent, her breathing slightly labored as she dragged in lungfuls of air. She was tough; she could handle anything that damned youkai could dish out, but Kagome...no, she didn't even want to think about it. Her dearest friend, her sister...Sango couldn't let that happen to her.
Fighting against the urge to cry – she couldn't afford to be emotional right now, not when Sango needed her; when they all needed her. She needed to stay strong, both for herself and her friends. Inuyasha was counting on her and she wouldn't let him down to reverting to the scared little girl she was while they were in the forest. She could do this. Later, after everyone was safe, treated for their injuries and far, far away from this hell on earth, then she would allow herself to break down, but for now she needed to concentrate on being a pillar of strength for her friends.
With hardened resolve, Kagome ignored her warning and gave a curt nod as she looked around for something to cut the ropes with. "Yes, Shippou mentioned the same thing," she said and spotted an expensive looking vase situated in the corner. She considered it, decided it could work, and went to get a closer look. It came to about her waist, thick, made of ceramic; perfect.
"Kagome, you need to listen to me," Sango tried again, desperate to get her point across, afraid she would share the same fate as she if she didn't find a place to hide quickly. "Yuudai, I think he's some kind of blood-sucking youkai, and it's like...like it excites him or something, and the way he looked when he saw my blood, it...looked as if he was on the brink of...well, completion." She shook her head, shuddering in revulsion. "Kagome, he's a sick, twisted youkai and I couldn't bear the thought of—"
"Sango." Kagome took great satisfaction in heaving the vase up and smashing it down onto the floor, shattering it into a hundred pieces. It was a token victory, but a victory nonetheless. If only it were his head instead. "I'm not leaving you, alright?" Her tone brooked no argument. "Especially after what you just told me. I'm not leaving you, or Shippou, or Miroku and if he even gets close to me I'll purify the bastard. How could I ever leave my closet friends to the mercy of some demented youkai who gets off on blood play?" She shuddered. "I'd never forgive myself." She picked through the shards and selected one large enough to fit into her palm before leveling the youkai exterminator with a stern look, the determination evident in her eyes and voice as she remarked, "He's not going to get away with doing this to us, Sango. He's going to pay one way or another."
Stunned into silence at the vehemence in her friend's words, Sango could only watch as Kagome returned to her side and knelt behind her. "Now hold still, I don't want to accidently slice you." Although the shard cut into her palm, it did the trick in slicing through the ropes and soon the slayer was free. A sound of pain escaped her as the circulation was restored in her hands and feet and she shifted so her legs were stretched out before her, one arm crossed over her breasts, feeling exposed.
Wordlessly Kagome untied Inuyasha's kosode, shrugged it off and settled it over Sango's shoulders instead. She at least had a bra on and was more covered than Sango was and at this point didn't give a flying fuck who saw her like this, even if it was Miroku. Too grateful to have something to cover with Sango didn't protest and leveled a tired smile at her as she pushed her arms through the sleeves and secured it closed the same way Kagome had.
"Kagome?" Sango asked and said girl paused in looking for something to secure Tetsusaiga with. The older woman looked worried, chewing on her bottom lip and Kagome suspected what she was going to say next. "Miroku...is he alright? I saw him take a blow to the head..."
Expression softening, Kagome aimed a smile at her and put her fears to rest. "He's fine, Sango," she assured. "Unconscious, but in much better shape than you or I." She chuckled softly and shook her head, giving up on finding something to secure the fang with and simply shoved it through the waistband of her skirt. It would have to do for now.
Sango visibly relaxed at the news and nodded, closing her eyes and heaving a sigh. Then she winced and gingerly touched her ribs, hoping she'd merely bruised them and not cracked a bone. "Shippou?" she asked to distract herself from the pain.
Sango was surprised at the stormy, vengeful look that passed her friend's face but then her expression cleared and her eyes softened in understanding. After what Kagome had gone though, judging by her rough appearance, it was no wonder something had changed to make her this hardened, battle-ready woman. She had no idea what she and Inuyasha had gone through to get here, although Yuudai had alluded to the fact they were being pursued, but she could guess it hadn't been easy and suddenly Sango couldn't have admired her friend more in that moment. She'd gone through hell to rescue her and the others and Sango would make sure it wouldn't be in vain.
"Shippou's okay, too," she finally answered and then she scowled. "I found him barely conscious with a sutra plastered across his back. God, he must have been like that for hours, in pain...ooooh, when I get my hands on him..." Kagome flexed her fingers, imagining them wrapped around the faceless Yuudai's neck. She'd been hanging around Inuyasha too much, she vaguely noted. How else would she have suddenly become this bloodthirsty?
Amused despite herself – she'd never seen Kagome quite so ready to inflict bodily harm on someone before – Sango attempted to get to her feet, but sharp pains shooting through her chest and ribs prevented her and she fell back down with a gasp, her arm wrapped around her stomach as she doubled over, gasping.
"Sango!" Rushing over to her Kagome wrapped an arm around her shoulders and encouraged the older woman to lean against her. "Your ribs?" she guessed and made a face at Sango's nod. "Damn. I don't think you can walk, but we can't stick around here for much longer. It's like you said, he could come back any time and I don't—"
"Well, well, well," an amused male voice drawled and both woman stiffened as their blood ran cold. "What do we have here...?"
-X-
If Inuyasha thought that this Yuudai asshole was arrogant before, now he was pretty damn positive that the guy must have believed he was invincible. Or at least close to it; for someone who commanded a human army, he sure as hell felt confident enough to leave his castle completely unguarded. Inuyasha had no idea how long he'd been wandering the barren halls, but so far he hadn't come across even one samurai.
Rounding yet another corner, Inuyasha's lip curled in disgust. Well, he hadn't come across any alive, anyhow.
The blood had been first, spattering the floors and walls in small amounts, and then growing thicker. Followed by a severed hand, an arm, a leg. Then the bodies, dismembered and rotting away, started popping up, growing more frequent the closer he got to the front entrance. And for once Inuyasha was grateful he didn't have his heightened sense of smell, because even as a human the stench of rotting and decayed flesh was making him nauseous.
Stepping over yet another body sans the head, Inuyasha was glad, even if he didn't like it, that he was the one subjected to such a grisly sight and not Kagome. He could only hoped she had been spared the gruesome results to the Band of Seven's massacre and that her side of the castle didn't have any dead bodies lying around. He was pretty confident that was the case, since there hadn't been anything where they'd parted ways and since Kagome was going deeper into the castle while he was headed toward the front, it made sense there shouldn't be anything like this where she was headed.
At one point he'd stumbled across the room where Bankotsu had executed the samurai general and the lord of the castle. The burn marks had been extensive, but he'd still been able to tell that the blackened lump lying next to a body had been the lord's head. The general had been completely incinerated. Needless to say it hadn't been a pretty sight and not for the first time he was supremely glad he'd taken this end of the castle and Kagome hadn't.
Inuyasha descended some stairs and once more had to pick his away across the minefield of bodies and castle debris. These ones looked more like castle employees than soldiers, and he could only tell by the clothing, which consisted of the female variety. He set his jaw and tried very hard not to think about how many women were slaughtered as he made his way to a completely destroyed section of wall and peered curiously inside.
Unsurprisingly he found more bodies and rubbish, but apparently he also found some sort of weapons storage room and the first thing he spotted was a very familiar bone boomerang propped against the wall beside an equally recognizable shakujo. The weight of his worry about finding them was lessened considerably, however he couldn't let himself feel relieved just yet. He was glad he knew for certain now that they were here, but he still didn't know what condition they were in. Inuyasha could only hope that they were pulling through.
Another thought occurred to him then and he perked up a little, hoping maybe he could find Tetsusaiga stashed here somewhere, but before he could venture further inside and investigate, a high pitched, piercing shriek reverberated from somewhere deep within the castle and Inuyasha paused, turning his head to frown thoughtfully in the direction it came from. That had sounded like a man very much in pain and Inuyasha could think of only one thing that would make a man sound like that.
He grinned and released a rough laugh. "Thatta girl, Kagome," he mumbled, shaking his head in amusement and resisting the urge to cup himself. Damn, but judging by the octave that scream had reached, Inuyasha wagered the poor guy had just lost his ability to father children.
A sudden commotion from down the hall drew Inuyasha's attention and he watched as several samurai, no doubt drawn by that screech as well, rushed by to investigate. Aw, shit.
He had no time to wonder where they had been hiding; one of them spotted him standing amidst the rubble and stopped dead in his tracks, prompting the others to halt as well and suddenly Inuyasha had the attention of four armed guards and by the looks of things, it was about to get very interesting.
"Boys," Inuyasha greeted nonchalantly and in response the guards drew their weapons and advanced.
Inuyasha sighed. Well, at least he had an arsenal of weapons to choose from.
He stared at the guards, they stared at him as they approached ever closer, and then suddenly Inuyasha dove to the right, grabbed the first sword he saw, and whipped round just in time to block the blade that came swinging down toward his head. He smirked at the samurai's surprised look.
"Let's dance, assholes."
Thirty enthusiastic minutes later, Inuyasha was sporting several new bleeding cuts, a black eye, and a cut lip but he was still standing while three of his adversaries were sprawled out on the floor, unconscious or too injured to get up.
Gripping his sweat and blood-slicked weapon in his hands, Inuyasha's breathing was slightly labored as he faced off against the fourth guard, who was in similar conditions, if not worse off than he. He'd lost his helmet and protective armor long ago and was down to simple breeches and tunic, both stained with blood and he dragged in wheezing breaths as he glared hatefully at his black-haired opponent. Sharp violet eyes noted the way his hands shook as they clutched the sword in a death grip and his knees were wobbling. He didn't think the man would be standing for much longer, which suited him just fine; Inuyasha needed to finish this quickly and find Kagome.
If these human men had heard that distant screech, chances were very likely so had Yuudai and the thought that he was with his Kagome right now did not sit well with him.
"Surrender," the samurai rasped, "and I won't kill you."
Inuyasha snorted and was about to retort with some insult to his intelligence when something deep within him pulsed and he could feel the first vestiges of his demonic power trickling back into his weary human body. Any pain he was feeling faded until it disappeared completely and he was already regaining his strength.
Perfect timing.
Wordlessly Inuyasha tossed his weapon aside and watched the horrified shock flash across the human's face as he witnessed his appearance drastically change. Raven hair lightened into silver, talons replaced blunt human fingernails, and previously dark eyes became a stunning gold. His wounds shrunk until they completely vanished on his skin, the bruises disappearing and the only evidence that he had been wounded at all was the dried blood smearing his bared skin.
Inuyasha wasn't at all surprised at the choked gasp that escaped his opponent as his attention was drawn to the top of his head by twin furry ears that were flicking back and forth. The weapon dropped from his hands and clattered onto the floor, forgotten.
After the transformation was complete, Inuyasha rolled his shoulders and raised a hand, cracking his knuckles loudly as he flexed his fingers and brandished his claws. The man flinched harshly at the ominous sound, clearly flabbergasted as his mouth opened and closed soundlessly, his eyes wide with the beginnings of fear flashing across them.
Inuyasha gave a slow, fang-baring grin and the samurai took a step back in alarm. As much as Inuyasha wanted to taunt this fucker, he didn't have the time. Kagome needed him.
"I'll surrender," Inuyasha finally answered and shifted his body into a crouch, golden eyes flashing dangerously as he growled next, "but you'll hafta catch me first."
Before the guard could even blink Inuyasha moved, darting forward in a silver and red blur and appearing behind the frightened warrior in the next second.
"Too slow," Inuyasha rumbled in his ear and the human samurai barely had time to scream before the hanyou delivered a hard blow to his head, instantly knocking him out as he landed with a heavy thud onto the floor with his other fallen brethren.
Sneering down at them, Inuyasha didn't spare them even a second glance as he sauntered away from the scene, figuring he'd come back and sniff out Tetsusaiga later. "Now if you'll excuse me," he carelessly drawled, "I need to go find my wench and slaughter your boss. It hasn't been a pleasure."
-X-
Cold fear swiftly turned into red hot, boiling anger, coursing through her veins like lava, heating her blood and this time as the adrenaline flowed through her body, her response was to fight, not to flee. This was the creature responsible for kidnapping her friends. This youkai was responsible for sending those damn samurai after them, for hurting her dear little Shippou, knocking Miroku unconscious and subjugating her dearest friend to his sick, twisted and disgusting methods of getting his dusty, decrepit, wrinkly old rocks off.
This was the thing that had forced she and Inuyasha to run for their lives, had forced Inuyasha to sacrifice the only thing he had left of his father in order to save their lives, had subjugated them to this night of living hell just because he was throwing a temper tantrum over something that happened centuries ago.
Needless to say, Kagome had a lot of pent up rage that had built over the course of the night and she knew just who to take it out on.
Between the beat of a heartbeat and the next, Kagome unsheathed Tetsusaiga, whirled around so fast Sango gasped in surprise as she leaned back, and pointed the business end of the blade directly at his throat with the fiercest, deadliest and most baleful scowl she could muster. She didn't care that she was a human and he was a youkai; she didn't care that he was ten times more stronger than she was, and she definitely gaze zero fucks that he could probably kill her before she could even blink.
None of that mattered. He hurt her friends, her precious Inuyasha, and he was not going to get away with it.
"You," Kagome seethed, ignoring the way Yuudai's pale eyebrows lifted in unveiled amusement. "How dare you."
Yuudai cocked a brow, clearly unimpressed. "Indeed," he murmured after a pause. "And I suppose I have you to thank for rendering poor Seiichi out there into an incoherent babbling mess." It was more a statement than a question and his tone suggested he already knew her reply.
Cold satisfaction flashed across Kagome's face and she leveled him with a nasty smile. "Indeed," she mocked him snidely. "And that, you asshole, is only a small taste for what I plan on doing to you." Keeping her eyes locked on his pale green gaze, Kagome deliberately lowered the tip of Tetsusaiga until it was pointed directly at his crotch.
Behind her Sango choked on a laugh and quickly covered her mouth, though her eyes were laughing.
Instead of cringing away and protectively cupping himself as Kagome expected, Yuudai merely tilted his head at her, expression strangely blank as if he was listening intently at something, and then he flicked a glance down at the sword quite literally threatening his manhood. Kagome resisted the urge to scowl.
"Bloodthirsty little thing, aren't you," Yuudai mused, more to himself than to her, and then he grinned, revealing very sharp and lethal looking fangs and the first word that popped into Kagome's mind was vampire. "I like it. Perhaps I will get what I desire from you, instead of the delectable slayer." His creepy pale gaze drifted behind her and he licked his lips.
Livid, Kagome subtly shifted her stance to block his view of her friend. She did scowl that time and she made no effort to mask the disgust on her face and in her voice as she spat, "I'd sooner die, thanks."
Yuudai shrugged. "Then the slayer shall suffice. I have no preference so long as I receive my meal."
"Don't you touch her!" Kagome whipped Tetsusaiga back up to his throat, suddenly frantic to keep this bastard away from her dearest friend.
The youkai remained impassive to her silent threat, hardly even flinching, and merely cocked a brow at her. "Oh? Then you are volunteering?"
Kagome clamped her jaw shut and glared heatedly at him in stony silence.
Sango understood what Kagome didn't say and her eyes widened as she lurched forward, ignoring the pain in her ribs, and reached up to grasp Kagome's skirt. "Kagome, no!" she hissed, shaking her head, her face pale, eyes desperate. "No, I can't—I won't let you—"
"I won't let him hurt you anymore, Sango," Kagome said with a solid finality that Sango had never heard come from the young woman before. She watched as Kagome's eyes narrowed, her face hardening as her jaw set in determination. "You've already been through enough tonight. Don't worry; I can handle him." It was a lie; she was bone weary, and most likely would not be able to handle him, but she didn't plan on letting it happen anyway so it didn't matter. If he so much as breathed on her, she'd purify his ass until he was nothing but dust in the wind.
Apparently bored with their exchange, Yuudai sighed loudly and wandered over to lean against a support pillar, crossing his arms and regarding them with vacant pale eyes. Wait—vacant? Kagome narrowed her eyes and followed his every move, making sure to keep herself between him and Sango, Tetsusaiga still wielded before her. "I suggest you figure this out amongst yourselves, quickly," he drawled. "I am rather hungry. If you recall, my meal was interrupted. Rather rudely, I might add."
Sango scoffed but Kagome didn't react as a speculative glint entered her eyes. She stared into his eyes again, noting how they almost seemed to see through her, and not at her. They were unusually pale, so pale Kagome would even call them filmy. A sneaking suspicious started to develop in her mind as she tied all the little clues together. Long, sharp fangs; pale milky eyes; a freaking bloodsucker; the way his reactions were delayed, how he seemed to think before he moved…
Kagome blinked as the word vampire flashed before her mind's eye again and she frowned. No, not an actual vampire from movies and books – that was ridiculous – but another blood consuming creature, one with wings, is considered nocturnal, covered in fur… Kagome squinted her eyes and looked closer, not failing to miss the way Yuudai didn't seem to notice her intent perusal, and she could detect a fine layer of pale fur covering his face. His ears, while shaped like regular ears she'd come to associate as youkai, had the ability to swivel and flick at the sides of his head as he listened.
It all added up, telling Kagome that her hunch was correct, but there was just one thing…
"Bats aren't blind," she blurted out and watched as a startled look crossed Yuudai's features. "That's just a myth…isn't it?"
Yuudai grinned again, flashing long fangs, and now that Kagome wasn't blinded by her anger any longer, she saw they were tinted a faint red. "Clever girl," he praised and inclined his head to her. "You are correct. Our animal brethren are not blind; however I cannot say the same for youkais. Where do you think that myth originated?" He shrugged, as if the answer was obvious.
Kagome blinked and then huffed in annoyance, peeved that she couldn't find any fault with that assessment. "But I've met bat youkais before," Kagome pressed on. "I'm pretty confident none of them were blind."
Yuudai stared at her sightlessly for a moment before his expression cleared. "Ah, you must be mean Taigokumaru and his colony, yes?" She didn't answer so he assumed she was. "You are correct again, they were not blind. Not all bat youkais are blind, however a large percentage of us are befallen with the curse of sightlessness. Unfortunately, I fall into that percentage. Such is life, however," he continued with a woebegone lilt to his voice. "I have learned to adapt and—"
"You know, I really don't care," Kagome callously cut him off and reveled in his look of affront, though she couldn't be sure if it was from interrupting him or her lack of sympathy. "You could be blind, ugly, and dickless and I still wouldn't even come close to caring about your pathetic excuse for an existence." Then she suddenly smiled at him and it dripped with less than pure intent. "Look at that; you scored a two out of three. Hold still and I'll make it three—"
Yuudai threw his head back and released a barking laugh and Kagome scowled. Her threats were not funny, dammit! "You are delightfully vicious," he exclaimed and turned wide, slightly manic pale eyes toward her. "I love it! More and more I am convinced that you are perfect for me. And your blood…" He inhaled deeply and his euphoric moan had Kagome feeling sick. "It smells divine, more so than the slayer's." With scary accuracy that pale gaze fixated on the wound in her thigh and to Kagome's dismay she found it had started bleeding again, though only a little.
When she lifted her head she let out an alarmed scream because Yuudai was suddenly right in front of her, baring his fangs in a hungry grin. She stumbled backward on reflex but managed to regain her balance before she ended up flat on the floor, and she had no doubt he would take full advantage of that. Recovering quickly Kagome brought the fang back up, maintaining the distance between them even if all it really did was delay him a second or two. He'd just clearly demonstrated his speed and it put Kagome on edge.
Yuudai chuckled, tilted his head and dropped his unseeing eyes to the sword she was wielding. His amusement faded slightly and his brows furrowed. "That blade," he said thoughtfully and flicked a brief glance over to the wall, where Kagome had found it. "That is Tetsusaiga, is it not?"
Kagome grit her teeth and glared at him as her grip tightened on the sword.
"My soldiers discovered it while patrolling the forest in search of you and that half-breed. They had orders to bring it to me should they get their hands on it." His expression darkened. "Imagine my surprise, however, to discover a damned barrier around it that prevents me from wielding it." He snorted disdainfully but then shrugged. "No matter, however. I expected the powerful Fang of legend to be an actual blade worthy of slaying one hundred youkais in one stroke. That is naught but a toy. Keep it; it is no great loss to me."
Instantly Kagome relaxed and exchanged a glance with Sango and it was clear they were thinking the same thing, even if he couldn't wield it: the stakes just tipped in their favor if he was unaware of Tetsusaiga's true potential.
"I grow bored of this idle chatter," Yuudai suddenly announced and both women stiffened; they were running out of time. He pushed away from the beam and regarded Kagome coolly. "I will give you one last chance, woman. Become mine own, provide me that which I require, and in return I will service you. Decide now."
Instant fury that he had the audacity to even assume she would ever serve his blood-sucking ass coursed savagely through her body, fortifying her strength, restoring her confidence, and hardening her resolve to make it through this until Inuyasha arrived. She had faith in her hanyou; it had to be close to dawn by now, if it wasn't already. They just had to hold out for a little longer.
Standing her ground, unwavering and glaring with all the hatred and disgust she could muster, Kagome gritted out, "Go to hell."
Yuudai nodded, as if he had expected her answer. "Then you and the slayer will die. I prefer my meal alive, however the taste of a corpse's blood suits me just fine!"
He was shouting by end and then he was charging forward, hand raised, claws brandished, and Kagome released a short scream before dropping to the floor, narrowly missing his swipe to her head.
"Kagome!" Sango shouted and moved to assist her friend, but a sharp pain shooting through her bruised ribs stopped her and she gasped, doubling over.
"It's okay, Sango!" Kagome reassured her as she dodged another attack, flipped over onto her stomach and scrambled to her feet. "I can—ah!" Yuudai materialized beside her and she was forced to dive to the right to avoid another blow to her head. "Dammit, would you stop that?!" Already breathing heavily from avoiding his attacks, Kagome spun around and held Tetsusaiga out before her with shaking hands, her earlier bravado quickly draining once she realized she may be in over her head now. Yuudai truly meant to kill her and she was in very real danger.
She bit her lip to stifle the panicked sob that welled in her throat, desperately trying to think up a way to stall him, give her and Sango some urgently needed time. Inuyasha, where—wait a minute…that's it!
Yuudai's mocking laugh drew her attention back to him. "You think to harm with that rusty toy? It is a pathetic excuse for a blade and so is the filthy half-breed that wields it!" He snarled and darted forward, extending his hand, ready to drive his hand into her stomach—
"Why do you hate him?" Kagome blurted out as she scuttled backward, away from those deadly talons.
Yuudai stopped abruptly and aimed a narrow-eyed glare at her. "Hate who?"
Thanking her lucky stars that her distraction worked, Kagome hurried to explain, "Why do you hate Inuyasha? It's his father you have a grudge against, not him! So why are you going through all this trouble—"
"That bastard's blood is running through his veins, and that is reason enough for me!" Yuudai barked, scowling darkly and went to attack again, this time managing to slice a shallow cut across her cheek before she ducked out of the way again and darted to the other side of the room.
"Hold still, goddamn you!" he bellowed and advanced again.
"You're crazy if you think I'll let you kill me that easily," Kagome hissed as she spun back around, her back facing the door and Tetsusaiga brandished before her once more. It was more for show than anything since she knew in its current state it couldn't even cut wet paper, but it was comforting nonetheless, knowing she had a part of her beloved hanyou with her. And hey, she'd lasted this long with it; Kagome considered it her new good luck charm.
"It is inevitable," Yuudai sneered and once more advanced on her. "I will cut you down, drain you of your blood, and destroy that abomination that shares my enemy's bloodline."
"Tell me why you hate him!" Kagome insisted, refusing it went far deeper than what he was claiming. She took a step back, maintaining the distance between them.
Yuudai snarled in annoyance. "Persistent bitch, the only thing you need to concern yourself with is your inescapable death by my hand." He stalked her, advancing then drawing back, pacing side to side and he smirked nastily as the scent of her fear spiked.
Heart pounding, skin covered in a cold sweat and feeling like she was about to be sick everywhere, Kagome swallowed back her fear as much as she could and refused to give into her his intimidating tactics. She knew what he was doing; she'd seen Inuyasha do it many times before when facing off with a foe and knew it would be fatal if she allowed herself to be distracted.
"Why?" she demanded again, determined to get the truth even if it was only to buy more time. Despite herself she was curious and wanted to get to the bottom of it. Plus didn't they deserve a damned reason after what he put them through?
Yuudai snarled and his lip twitched, his furious scowl deepening. "You are trying my patience, bitch. It is none of your—"
"You're damn right it's my concern!" Kagome fired back before he could even finish his sentence and she returned his scowl with one of her own. "You've made this night a living hell for us and I demand to know what's got your panties in such a twist!"
He ignored her. "Prepare to—"
"Oh, shut up!" Kagome snapped and he actually looked shocked. God, Kagome was getting a headache from this rollercoaster of emotions she was on; anger, fear, annoyance, fatigue, constantly ping-ponging between each of them. Her patience had just about run out now and she was so done. "Quit being a damned coward and—"
"I am not a coward!" Yuudai suddenly thundered and his face actually turned red.
Kagome paused and she could not hold back the smirk that spread across her face. Struck a nerve, did she? Perfect. "Are you so sure?" she sneered at him, reveling in the way his face turned in even deeper shade of scarlet and she was sure if looks could kill she'd be six feet under by now. "Attacking Inuyasha and kidnapping our friends on this particular night couldn't have been a coincidence. The timing was too perfect; right after sundown, and you know what happens to him at that time, don't you?"
Yuudai remained silent and glowered balefully at her, his jaw clenched so hard the tendons in his neck stood out.
Kagome inwardly cackled. "That's what I thought. Only a coward"—he flinched and she outright grinned—"would kidnap defenseless humans and torture them. Only a coward would hide behind a human army and use them to take down your enemies instead of yourself. Only a coward—"
"Shut up," Yuudai hissed, hands shaking and balled into tight fists, baring his fangs in a lethal snarl.
"—would be so terrified by a single human that he attacks him on the one night where he knows he is the weakest." She continued as if he hadn't even spoken, and though he was taller than her she lifted her chin just so to make it look like she was staring down her nose at him disdainfully. "So you might want to take a good, hard, long look in the mirror, Yuudai, because when I look at you, all I see—"
"Don't," Yuudai barked as he bent his knees, preparing to leap at her and so lost in his rage he failed to notice the deep, subsonic growl that suddenly rent the room.
Kagome noticed and her heart leapt in her chest. Finally! Out of her peripheral she saw Sango scoot back to lean against the wall, out of harm's way, and the slayer shot her a relieved smile; she heard it, too.
"—is a big—"
"Don't fucking say it—"
"—fat—"
He snarled. "Bitch—"
"—pitiful—"
He howled. "I am not a—!"
"—coward."
"Izayoi was supposed to be mine, dammit!"Yuudai roared just as the doors behind Kagome exploded into a million pieces, filling the room with dust and debris. Kagome didn't even flinch, her grip on Tetsusaiga steady as the bat youkai fell back in surprise with a startled yelp. She tried not to let the shock show on her face at his exclamation. This had to do with Inuyasha's mother?
"I strongly suggest," came a gruff male voice from behind her and Kagome closed her eyes, the relief swamping her so strong her that knees nearly gave out on her, "that you rethink what you're gonna say next because if you so much as think my mother's name, I might have to kill you."
A familiar red robe was draped over her shoulders right before a clawed hand came around and touched her bare stomach, dragged familiar claws up across her chest and angled his arm to grip her opposite shoulder, pulling her flush against a strong chest.
"You're late, dogboy," Kagome murmured and smiled when she felt lips brush against her ear. She gratefully shoved her arms through the firerat sleeves, glad to finally have something to cover up with.
"Sounded to me like you were handling yourself pretty well," Inuyasha rumbled in return and pressed a kiss to her neck, giving a soft sigh.
Kagome melted against him, confident he would support her weight and when her tired arms started to droop from holding Tetsusaiga so long, his palm skimmed down her arm, claws grazing her flesh, and she gladly relinquished her hold on the hilt when his hand covered her own.
Once more reunited with its rightful owner, the blade transformed, becoming the powerful Fang left to him by his father that had become his own through hard work and determination. Inuyasha angled the sword in front of her, caging her in between him and Tetsusaiga and Kagome knew without a doubt she was the safest woman in the world at the moment.
Through the haze of dust still settling Kagome saw the look of wide-eyed horror on Yuudai's face as he gazed unseeingly in astonishment at the transformed fang, clearly having underestimated its worth. Although Kagome knew he couldn't see it, no doubt he had felt the change in the air, the energy the mighty fang gave off in its true form so of course he'd be flabbergasted that the sword he'd previously thought was useless had turned out to be everything but. His mouth opened and closed, trying and failing to find the words to voice his confusion and shock, but nothing came out and Kagome resisted the urge to point and say, "Ha! What do you think of my 'toy' now?!"
While his opponent gaped like a fool at them, Inuyasha turned his head slightly and cast an inquiring glance over at Sango still propped against the wall. She saw his silent question and dipped her head once, wordlessly saying she was alright. He nodded back and turned his gaze back to the pathetic youkai before him.
A low growl rumbled in his chest and his brows snapped low over his eyes, face screwing up in a truly fearsome scowl as his grip tightened on the woman pressed against him. Kagome's hand on his arm soothed him somewhat, but his fury was obvious. It seemed like all he was able to do at the moment was glare murderously at the bat so Kagome gladly took over, aiming a rather smug smile at the bewildered Yuudai.
"Yuudai here was just telling me, Inuyasha, why he felt the need to kidnap our friends and attack us on the night of the new moon, of all nights," Kagome said in a faux pleasant voice and her eyes promised she would sic the seething hanyou behind her on him if he failed to comply. "Weren't you, Yuudai?"
Flinching harshly, Yuudai mustered up the bravado to scowl at them, but it was weak and neither of them failed to notice how he had yet to get to his feet. A harsh growl from Inuyasha reminded him to proceed with extreme caution. "She was supposed to be mine," he hissed softly, glaring at them both. "Ihad her first, loved her first—then that damned dog came along and she forgot about me!" He slammed a fist down onto the ground in a fit of anger and it reminded Kagome of a child throwing a tantrum.
"So you're telling me," Inuyasha began, his voice dangerously low, "that you abducted my friends, ordered your pathetic human army to chase us through the forest, forcing us to run for our fucking lives, stole my Tetsusaiga, and attacked my mate all because of some fucking crush you had on my mother before I was even born?!" His voice had steadily escalated into a loud incredulous bellow and Kagome could feel the vibration from his deadly growl against her back.
Then his words registered and she gasped, her eyes going wide. Inuyasha squeezed her gently and she understood the gesture for what it was: talk later when the danger had passed. Ducking her head though unable to hide her smile, Kagome gave an imperceptible nod and squeezed his arm.
To his credit Yuudai didn't react to Inuyasha's outburst and merely glowered at him with pale sightless eyes in stony silence, jaw set stubbornly.
Evidently Inuyasha did not like his lack of answer and suddenly swung Tetsusaiga toward him, aiming the tip right at his throat though he kept his arm securely tightly around Kagome.
Yuudai felt a slight breeze and didn't even need his eyes to know the blade was directed at his throat in deadly threat. He swallowed thickly and said through gritted teeth, "It wasn't just a crush, hanyou," he spat resentfully. "I loved her."
Inuyasha snorted. "Yeah, you loved her so much you didn't even fight for her. Probably just gave up—just like a coward would." He smirked when Yuudai flinched at the word.
The bat youkai ground his teeth together, reeling in his desire to leap up and attack, but feared he would be impaled by Tetsusaiga so wisely stayed put. "Why would I fight for a lowly trollop who prefers dogs over—"
"Watch it," Inuyasha warned in a low growl and nudged Tetsusaiga little closer to his throat.
Yuudai huffed in annoyance. "It was a lost cause," he continued more carefully, his voice bitter. "I knew the moment she first saw him she was gone; it would have been pointless to fight a losing battle." He scowled then and some of his earlier confidence surged to the fore. "It was then that I made a vow to get my revenge against the Inu no Taisho, destroy him, and kill Izayoi as well for rejecting me."
"Well, obviously that didn't happen," Inuyasha couldn't help but comment and looked completely unrepentant at Yuudai's annoyed glare.
"Obviously," he said through gritted teeth, fighting to keep his rage contained lest he be skewered. "The damn fool died sealing that pesky dragon, and Izayoi disappeared with you."
"That still doesn't tell us why you targeted us or how you know about the new moon," Kagome pointed out and couldn't hold back a startled gasp when Yuudai's gaze snapped to her and locked on with such accuracy Kagome almost forgot that he was blind.
Getting tired of this interrogation, Yuudai growled and moved to stand. "I fail to see how that is any of your—erk."
Something very sharp and cold dug into the hollow of his throat and Yuudai froze.
"Don't. Move," Inuyasha growled, voice filled with lethal warning. When he was sure the bastard was going to stay put, he stated, "If it concerns my parents, my mate, or my pack, it concerns me. Now spit it out."
Swallowing thickly, and then wincing when the tip of the blade cut into his flesh, the bat youkai continued, his voice wavering slightly, "I-I watched you," he admitted a little breathlessly. "After I heard Izayoi died, I tracked you down but before I could kill you the Inu no Taisho's oldest son always thwarted me and I had to retreat. So I followed you for weeks, waiting for a chance, and I witnessed you change into a human on the moonless night."
"Wait a minute," Inuyasha interrupted and frowned down at the bat youkai. "Are you saying that bastard Sesshomaru stopped you from offing me?"
"That's what I said," Yuudai snapped. "He was always there, ensuring I kept my distance, and that was when I decided I would destroy him as well. When I discovered he kept a human pet, I abducted her before coming after you to start my plan for revenge."
Both Inuyasha and Kagome's jaw dropped at that bit of news and Inuyasha sputtered out, "You mean you took Sesshomaru's human ward and you're still alive?"
He scoffed arrogantly. "Of course I am. The Lord of the West is no match for me."
Two sets of eyes stared at him skeptically. "He's bluffing," Inuyasha said at length and Kagome nodded sagely while Yuudai sputtered indignantly.
"I am not!"
"He's totally bluffing," Kagome affirmed and then a sly glint entered her eyes. "Unless," she drawled, her lips twitching upward into a smirk, "he ran away and hid like the coward he is."
Yuudai flinched, turned a dark shade of scarlet, and tried to hide the guilt in his eyes by scowling at them but he wasn't fast enough.
Inuyasha snorted as Kagome snickered, but the thought of that cold prick actually protecting him when he was just a runt was mindboggling. Sesshomaru? The one who hated him? Who blamed him for their father's death? No fucking way.
Recovering from her bout of amusement at his expense, Kagome shook her head in confusion. "But why did you decide to go after him now after all this time?"
Yuudai snorted. "What, you think I haven't tried? I did, for several years, right up until the damn mutt got himself sealed to a tree." At this he barked a mocking laugh and his mouth stretched into a condescending grin. "How pathetic, falling for such an obvious trick! I suppose it makes sense; half the youkai, half the brain!" He laughed again but it was abruptly cut off when Tetsusaiga dug into his throat again, this time drawing blood.
Gripping Inuyasha's wrist with her hand, having tugged it forward and dug the fang into the asshole's throat, Kagome scowled at the bat youkai and growled impressively well for a human, "If you don't quit it with those comments I'm going to purify you and I promise will be a hell of a lot more painful than what Inuyasha will do."
Behind her Inuyasha chuckled and have her a squeeze, bending his head to nuzzle her ear. "Better listen to her, stupid bat," he said casually. "I've been purified, and it ain't exactly something to sneeze at."
Clearing his throat, Yuudai needed no prompting to continue with his explanation, at this point just hoping he'd be able to escape with all of his body parts intact.
Together they watched the color drain from Yuudai's face and satisfied, Kagome nodded and released Inuyasha's wrist but kept her hand on his arm. She gestured for him to keep going and once more leaned back against Inuyasha. He released a soothing rumble and gave her another brief squeeze.
"After discovering he'd been put under a sealing spell," Yuudai said and his voice was dull with resignation now, "I lied low and sought to become stronger. Decades passed – what was it, fifty years? – when suddenly I heard rumors of a hanyou and a ragtag team of humans traveling the land and looking for some jewel. I'd heard this jewel could make you stronger, but my only goal was to destroy Inuyasha and all those he cared for." Defeated pale eyes gazed up at them. "The timing couldn't have been more perfect. The new moon was approaching, I was stronger than ever..." He shrugged, as if that explained everything. "I had the human samurais ambush your camp, take your friends and drive you toward this castle."
"Drive us? No, we figured out where they were on our own." Kagome frowned at him.
Yuudai sighed and arched an eyebrow. "You don't truly think it was coincidence that led you here? Please. Give me more credit than that." He rolled his eyes with a derisive snort.
Suddenly having had enough with his attitude and the whole goddamn situation altogether, Inuyasha growled and in one swift movement he flicked his wrist and slammed the broadside of Tetsusaiga against the bat youkai's chest, sending him flying backward. "You know, I really don't care if it was coincidence or whatever," he spat and reluctantly released Kagome, stepping in front of her to block her from view as he advanced toward his enemy. "I've been through hell tonight, I'm fucking dead on my feet, my friends and mate are in pain because of you, and I ain't feeling too forgiving at the moment. So guess what's gonna happen next, asshole."
Leveling Tetsusaiga with his chest, Inuyasha's lips peeled back into a dangerous snarl, infuriated amber eyes flashing with a deep-seeded hatred that burned hotter than a thousand suns and despite not being able to see it, Yuudai could practically feel the waves of his abhorrence rolling off of him and, for the first time during the entire exchange, he felt a very real lick of fear in his stomach.
Lying on his back amidst the rubble, wide unseeing eyes staring in the direction he sensed the hanyou, Yuudai was paralyzed, unable to scramble away, flee for his life and despite knowing there was no way he could atone for his sins, take back everything he did, apologize over and over, he very suddenly was terrified to die. He wanted to live, dammit, not be done in by this hanyou and his human wench!
"N-no, please!" he begged, shaking his head and trying to shuffle backward. "Don't—!"
"Inuyasha, wait."
Inuyasha stopped and Yuudai wondered if the woman was going to pardon him. He watched with nervous anticipation as she walked up to him and gestured for him to lean down. Not daring to take his eyes off of his victim, Inuyasha did as he was bade and Kagome stood on her tiptoes to whisper something in his ear.
Yuudai sucked in a breath and waited in tense silence, hoping, praying...
The completely sinister grin that slowly stretched the hanyou's mouth had his heart sinking and a ball of dread to sit heavily in his gut. His chest felt tight, he was hot and cold at the same time, breaking out in a nervous sweat, and he tired to swallow the hard lump that had formed in his throat.
Kagome leaned back and Inuyasha gave a small, barely there nod. Then, to his utter bafflement and horror, Kagome glanced at him, gave him a sickly saccharine smile, and walked over to go join the slayer still leaned against the wall.
Inuyasha took his time closing the distance between them and when he was close enough he hefted Tetsusaiga and rested the curved edge on Yuudai's chest. Slowly he drew the blade down, down, down until the sharp edge was precariously close to a certain part of Yuudai's anatomy that he fervently hoped would remain on his body even after death.
Keeping his eyes locked with the bat youkai's sightless pale ones, Inuyasha turned his head a fraction and called back, "Girls."
Dropping next to Sango, who'd been watching the exchange in wide-eyed silence the entire time, Kagome nodded mutely and gathered her best friend into her arms. Sango wrapped her arms around her and hid her face in the young woman's shoulder while Kagome buried her face in Sango's hair, not caring that it was filthy and knotted.
Satisfied, Inuyasha turned his full attention to the pathetic sight before him. Yuudai had gone limp, defeat written in every muscle in his body, on the lines of his face, unseeing eyes gazing up at the ceiling with his arms and legs splayed out. And for some stupid reason Inuyasha hesitated, wondering if what he felt at the moment was pity, or misguided sympathy. Dammit, but he didn't want to kill someone looking so weak and pathetic! It was against his sense of honor, to kill someone during a time when they're the most vulnerable. But he knew he couldn't go unpunished; what he did to Sango, Miroku, and Shippou...what he did to his Kagome... No, it was unforgivable.
Mind made up, Inuyasha bared his fangs in a mocking grin, angled Tetsusaiga just so—
"W-wait, wait! No...!"
-X-
An hour later Kagome stood in the room Inuyasha had found for her and watched as he left to go check on Sango and Miroku. As it turned out, her hanyou hadn't had the heart to truly end Yuudai's life, claiming he looked too pathetic and it went against everything he was to off him then. "It ain't fair," he'd said, "And besides, I think he's learned his lesson."
Kagome smiled. She had to agree. After carrying out her plea to ensure he would never have children or enjoy a woman's body ever again – she meant to keep her promises, dammit – Inuyasha had hefted the unconscious youkai over his shoulder, barked a command to wait there for him, then left to go dump his body far away, not particularly caring what happened to him but also glad he wouldn't have to carry the guilt of not sparing his pitiful life.
He'd returned shortly afterward, washed of any blood that may have leaked onto him, and announced they were all too exhausted to travel now and needed their wounds treated, so they were going to stay in the castle for the day and night and recuperate. Kagome and Sango readily agreed, and from the other room, Shippou proclaimed his approval as well. They were all startled, but greatly relieved, to hear Miroku's voice, groggy and rough, chiming in as well that it was a capital idea.
With Inuyasha gingerly charring Sango, who was still in too much pain to walk, the three left walking – Kagome was carrying a dozing Shippou – tracked down empty rooms there were more or less free of any debris or blood and took up residence. Thankfully the rooms had been equipped with futons and after settling Sango into a room with Miroku sinking down beside her – he doubted he'd try anything in her condition – Inuyasha led Kagome to the room next to them and once more left to fetch Miroku's staff and Sango's weapon and sniff out Kagome's bag. He'd mentioned doing a quick run of the place too, to ensure there were no more samurai loitering around that he had to worry about, and mumbling something about getting rid of the bodies in the weapons room...?
Kagome had conveyed her worries about the samurai that had pursued them in the forest coming back to the castle and posing a threat to them, but Inuyasha put her fears to rest by proclaiming if they were coming back they would have been there by now, and even if they did, he doubted the humans would think they were still there, residing in some of the rooms, and wouldn't go looking for them. Too tired to argue, Kagome hadn't protested his logic, and she knew Inuyasha would protect them anyway should anything happen.
She was infinitely glad that, upon getting her belongings back, the jewel shards were still in the little pocket she'd stashed them and she took a moment to just breathe in relief. She took care of Sango first, wrapping her ribs, treating the cuts on her chest – after kicking Miroku out – and giving her some painkillers. She'd fallen asleep shortly afterward and Kagome had turned her attentions to the monk. Thankfully his lump wasn't anything to worry about, but she gave him some aspirin too before retiring to her room and finally treating the wounds in her thigh and arm.
Inuyasha had taken over for that, silently washing them out with some bottled water, spreading some antiseptic over them and wrapping them up tight. Then he'd dragged her into a bone-crushing hug that Kagome readily returned and they just clung to one another for several long minutes, savoring the feel of each other, thankful the nightmarish couple of hours had finally ended.
He'd pulled back way too soon, kissed her forehead, and murmured he'd be right back before stepping out to go next door.
Now here she was, standing in the middle of the room with a deeply slumbering Shippou curled up on the provided futon, oblivious while Kagome stared down at her bag and debated on whether or not to change to just unfurl her sleeping bag and pass out.
She wrinkled her nose. As much as passing out appealed to her, she wanted to wait for Inuyasha to come back and the idea of clean clothes was even more appealing than sleep. Decision made she rummaged around for a clean tank top, panties and sleep shorts, dropping them on top of her bag before straightening and shrugging of Inuyasha's suikan.
She'd just unfastened her bra and was pulling down the straps when the shoji door whispered open, closed just as softy, and bare feet padded across the room over to her. Kagome paused, closed her eyes, and sighed when strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind and pulled her back against a firm chest.
Kagome let the bra drop to the floor; it seemed childish and stupid to be embarrassed now when she'd been running around in her bra with him all night long anyway. Plus it took up too much mental energy to be embarrassed, energy that she definitely didn't have, and she was fairly sure Inuyasha was in a similar place. Soft lips dropped to her shoulder and she smiled.
"So...your mate?" she whispered and had to bit down on her lip to stifle her giggle when he sighed and gave a low growl.
"I don't kiss just anyone, Kagome," he murmured and delivered a soft nip to her shoulder.
"But you'd kiss your mate?" Kagome insisted, a teasing lilt to her voice, and she received another reprimanding nip to her neck for her troubles.
"Wench," he warned but the corners of his lips twitched when she laughed again. Then Kagome was turning in his arms, heedless of her nudity, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Inuyasha gathered her close, resting his forehead against her own and breathing in her scent. Even tinted with sweat, dirt and exhaustion, she still smelled heavenly to him and it still managed to soothe him. Unconsciously he swept his hand up and down her bare back, dragging his claws along her skin, a comforting caress, and Kagome sighed, resting her head on his shoulder and leaning heavily into him.
Kagome released a jaw-cracking yawn and wordlessly he swept her up into his arms and laid her out on her sleeping bag before stretching out next to her and pulling her into his arms. Inuyasha had to admit the feeling of her bare breasts pressed against his chest felt pretty damn good but he knew Kagome was too tired for anything more than simply sleeping. Matter of fact, he could use some shuteye too. They had been up all night running around, after all. They fucking deserved it, dammit.
Once more he started up a sweeping motion of his hand up and down her back, claws gently grazing, and by Kagome's soft purrs of contentment he knew she liked it. He grinned and trailed his claws along her arm, across her collarbone, then back down her back again, and repeat.
"You wanna change?" he asked her, spotting her clothes on top of the yellow bag.
"Nnn," Kagome responded, already half-asleep and he chuckled.
"C'mon," he cajoled and reached over her to grab her change of clothes. "You'll feel better after you change."
Sighing, knowing he was right, Kagome forced herself to sit up and with his help she managed to shimmy out of her skirt and panties and into a fresh pair, but let him drag her shorts up her legs. She eyed the tank top, eyed Inuyasha, then decided to forgo the shirt for her own selfish reasons. Immediately she burrowed back against him, pressing her body flush against his and smiling when he draped his arm over her and continued those lazy sweeps of his hand. His claws felt delightful against her bare skin and she gave another content sigh, thinking that despite their hellish night, she couldn't be happier right at the moment.
Warm, safe, and content, Kagome drifted off in Inuyasha's arms and he dozed lightly, not quite able to fall into a deeper sleep just yet. While he was fairly confident that nothing would happen and they wouldn't receive a surprise ambush from the remaining samurai, Inuyasha still wasn't comfortable being completely unaware so he didn't mind being the one to watch over them. His friends, his precious Kagome, had been through hell last night, and while so had he, he had his hanyou strength and healing to fall back on. They didn't, and he wanted to make sure they were properly taken care of before he even thought of relaxing all the way.
Perhaps an hour or so later Kagome stirred in his arms, bringing him out of his light doze but he didn't open his eyes and merely started up caressing her skin again, drawing soothing little patterns on the small of her back with his claws. But then she sighed softly, her scent shifted, growing a little nervous and Inuyasha tensed because he had a good idea what was on her mind.
"…Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha sighed; he really didn't have the energy for this right now. "Leave it alone, Kagome. We'll talk more later, after you get some rest. Go back to sleep." Whoa, talk about déjà vu…hadn't they had this conversation before? Or one similar to it, at least. God, had it only been just a few hours? It seemed like a lifetime ago.
But of course, like she did then, his stubborn wench didn't listen to him now either. He really should have known better. She only hesitated for a few seconds before trying, "But—"
"Kagome." Heaving a sigh, Inuyasha propped himself up onto his elbow and gazed down at her patiently with a hint of exasperation. "It's been a long night. You're tired, I'm tired, and we both need to rest so we can discuss everything with a clear head later. " He gave her a pointed stare and she blushed, ducking her head sheepishly. "Alright?"
"I know," Kagome whispered, still avoiding his gaze and idly playing with a strand of his hair. "It's just…I…" Biting her lip, Kagome snuck a peek up at him through her lashes, her flush darkening.
The open and unashamed worry in her eyes was like a kick to the gut and Inuyasha sucked in a breath. He understood now. His expression softened and then without any warning he rolled on top of her, pinning her beneath his weight as he tenderly took her face in his hands and bent down.
Kagome's eyes were wide as his mouth came down on hers and when she gasped, he deepened his kiss, flicking his tongue across her bottom lip then venturing inside for a more thorough taste. She shuddered and her eyes fluttered close as her mouth softened under his gentle assault, her hands diving into his hair, tilting her head and kissing him back.
A low growl of approval rumbling in his chest, Inuyasha kept the connection slow, heated, and lazy, slicking his tongue against hers and nipping the sensitive flesh of her lip. Kagome whimpered and arched her back; he responded by smoothing his hand down to her hip, grabbing the back for her thigh and then lifting her up against him to meet the deliberate press of his hips so she could feel the full extent of just what she did to him and how bad he didn't want to stop.
Kagome's gasp turned into a quiet moan when he rocked into her, telling her without words and in no uncertain terms that his feelings for her were definitely not about to change anytime soon. She rolled her hips, he growled and unable to resist the intoxicating warmth he did it again, unable to stop from developing a slow, torturous grind that had them both letting out guttural moans.
Panting against her mouth, Inuyasha growled and gave her one last passionate kiss to her lips before dipping his head to kiss her neck, further down to feather kisses over her collarbones and just because he damn well felt like it he ventured further still to her breasts and sucked a pert nipple into his mouth. Kagome moaned again and arched against him, his name falling from her lips in whispering sigh her hands tugged and pulled at his hair, running through the silver strands, questing fingers brushing against his ears.
Pulling back, he brushed a kiss over the glistening peak and finally lifted his head to catch her gaze, his breathing labored and eyes heavy-lidded. Her eyes were closed and he leaned down, gently nipping her nose to gain her attention. Dark chocolate pools glazed over in desire peered up at him through thick lashes and he had to fight against the urge to capture her lips again in another torrid kiss. He knew if he did he wouldn't be able to stop himself from taking it further and now was not the time for that.
But still, he couldn't help but tease her a little and he quirked a half-grin at her, amber eyes flashing mischievously. "Did you understand that or do you need another demonstration?"
Kagome blinked, she blushed, and then giggled, her coffee-colored eyes lighting up with her happiness. "Well, now that you mention it..."
Inuyasha shook his head while his cheeky little wench snickered. "Cute," he mumbled, then sighed and locked gazes with her, his eyes serious. "Nothing's gonna change," he told her, leaning down to rest his forehead against hers and then he gave her one of his slow, genuine smiles that he reserved only for her. "We have all the time in the world now, Kagome," Inuyasha rumbled, nuzzling her nose with his. That elicited an answering smile from her and a breathy laugh. "We don't need to rush anything. So let's get some sleep, and when we wake up we can talk. About everything."
Kagome bit her lip and hesitantly asked, her meaning obvious, "Everything?" Images of cold dark eyes and a tragic smile flashed through her mind and she swallowed thickly.
Inuyasha understood. "Everything," he repeated. "I promise." He kissed her forehead, her nose, then claimed her lips in a tender, lazy kiss before murmuring, "Get some sleep?"
Reassured, Kagome relaxed and gave him a sheepish smile as she nodded. "Okay," she agreed and Inuyasha shifted onto his side again. She wasted no time in snuggling up to him again and he happily took her into his arms, held her tightly against his heart and together they released a sigh of pure contentment.
Safe and warm in the arms of her beloved hanyou, Kagome was fast to succumb to slumber and Inuyasha followed shortly thereafter, the steady beat of her heart his own personal lullaby, her deep and even breathing a comforting reassurance that she was there, they had overcome, and that they finally had the time to just...be.
